EIGHTY THREE ✖ VIDEO

[wedonot]

[Private Individually to Alex, Jean, Morgana, Anya, Rogue, and Babs]

There's something I'd like to discuss with you, and I think it might be better to do in person, if you're not too busy.

[And he knows that sounds... not great, and people will probably know what he means, but. He'd still really rather do this in person.]

[Private to Zane]

[He's leaving a copy of this recording with Morgana, just in case, and there's a part of him that's beyond guilty about not being able to wait until Zane's awake to hear this himself, but. It's time. And it's not like it's the last time they'll ever see each other, if Zane doesn't want it to be.]

I'm sorry to do this while you're not awake, but I think I've realized I've put this off for too long already. I'm going to be heading home.

I know you've had a difficult few months, but I know you're capable of finding what you need and making it work. You're an exceptional individual, and I'm very honored to have had the opportunity to help you on your journey.

I also want to make it very clear that this is only goodbye if you want it to be. There will always be a place for you with us if you need it, permanently or just for a day or two. Maybe some of our future students could stand to learn a thing from you. [And even though it sounds like he's joking, and his expression's a little teasing, he means it. He absolutely means it.]

I'm also leaving Anya with a key to the greenhouses and garden for you if you want them. I know I found working there a great comfort when I felt I wasn't doing much good here, and I promise that you are. Have some faith in yourself. God knows I do, and I know I'm not the only one.

[His smiles gets a little bit wobbly for a few seconds. Goodbyes are hard.]

Take care.

[Public]

[Charles is in his room, which looks much the same as ever - the comfortable, organized clutter of academia everywhere, along with a couple notable artifacts scattered here and there, like the model prehistoric sea creatures Anya had gotten him for Christmas sitting on his desk - and he looks... good. More or less the same brand of content he's been since he got back from his trip home, although there's a sort of unnatural formality to the way he's sitting and addressing the camera.]

It's been two years and three months since I first made my deal with the Admiral. When I did, I had just suffered a variety of great personal loss. I was depressed, desperately hurt, and incredibly frightened of what the future had to offer for both me, personally, and for my friends and family, and I'll be the first to admit that the Barge wasn't entirely helpful in alleviating those worries.

But I'll also be the first to admit that I wouldn't have what I do now without it, and I know I'm not the only one who can say that. I also know that to some of you, I'm likely sounding like a broken record, but as this is the last time I'm going to have opportunity to say something like this for the time being, [And his smile falters a bit at that, because he's said it, he's leaving, he has to go home.] I just want to tell you that what you're feeling right now - the fear and the anger and the sadness - is all legitimate. You are allowed to feel upset, you're allowed to feel defeated and trapped, but it will get better. You will get past it. You will walk away from this and have a future you deserve. And at the end, this is worth it.

[He means it. He's been tortured, hurt, killed, watched friends die, lived a dozen different lives, been blamed for the actions of other counterparts, and a hundred other things, and he has a future to return home to.

That's made it - all of it - more than worth it.]

I'll be leaving tomorrow morning, if anyone's got any last minute business they'd like to address. It's time. [And he feels badly about that, because he'd wanted to stay longer, but he knows he'll always find a reason to stay, and... he really can't. He misses Erik, he misses Raven and the others, and he wants to get the school up and running. Do some real good in his world. He can't do that here.]

And if anyone's got anything to pass along to Tony, Erik or Raven, I'd be more than happy to drop it off.

[Private to River]

I hope you take up Jean and Rogue's offer to learn more about your gifts. If you're ever in need of a place to stay after your time here has come to an end, we'd be happy to have you.

[Private to Crichton]

I know you're probably tired of me meddling in your business, [It's mostly a joke!] But I know Jean would be more than happy to be a resource you can turn to in dealing with Harvey. I'm sorry I couldn't do more while I was here.